Success Stories
Prodigy Search prides itself on exceeding expectations and over-delivering with every executive recruitment search project we engage in. A sample of our recent success stories include:
Edmonton Oilers/Oilers Entertainment Group
Vice President, Digital Subscription
NEED: Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) delivers leading sports, entertainment and other special event programming to fans and patrons in Canada and the United States. The flagship entity of the group is the 5-time Stanley Cup Champions, the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers have long been a leader on digital engagement in professional sports – #1 in the NHL by volume and traffic. In an attempt to capitalize on that success, OEG was looking to expand their digital platform reach and take the fan experience to the “next level.” To accomplish this goal, OEG needed to find an individual with a background in sports marketing, digital content and entertainment, subscription models, as well as streaming and over-the-top services. Also of critical importance, is the ability for this person to drive business strategy based on market and industry trends.
RESULT: To meet Oilers Entertainment Group’s area of need, Prodigy Search integrated past knowledge and experience with sport-centric digital content creation and marketing, while striving to expand a body-of-knowledge related to subscription models and OTT streaming. An industry-crossing and continent-wide search was conducted compiling a list of candidates to develop OEG’s digital subscription platform and business. Ultimately, OEG decided to move forward with Brandon Ramsey, a sports industry leader in digital marketing. Ramsey had gained experience with Activision Blizzard and the Golden State Warriors. His dynamic personality, passion for sports, and unique background will be a boon to Oilers Entertainment Group in their path toward continued success.
USA Lacrosse
Head of Commercial Partnerships & Ventures
NEED: USA Lacrosse is a member and donor-driven 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and the sport’s National Governing Body. USA Lacrosse provides leadership, structure, and resources fostering growth and enriching experiences for all participants across the country. The organization’s mission emphasizes safety, education, and the expansion of opportunities within the sport of lacrosse. Under the direction of USA Lacrosse, lacrosse has become one of the fastest-growing sports in America. Spurred by this rapid growth, USA Lacrosse found it needed a strategic development of its corporate partnerships program and commercial revenue streams to maintain pace with, if not exceed, the continued advancement of the sport. Specifically, the organization had a goal of adding an individual who is a subject-matter expert in traditional integrated sponsorships, events, and media-content monetization while also developing new revenue generating verticals outside of conventional partnerships.
RESULT: After delivering on the placement of their new CEO, USA Lacrosse returned to Prodigy Search to help fill a new position of Head of Commercial Partnerships & Ventures. USA Lacrosse relayed the need for this role to blend established methods of business development with a creative vision for fresh opportunities. Based on these requirements, Prodigy conducted a nationwide and industry-crossing search to fill this role. USA Lacrosse chose to move forward with Kiernan Schindler, a corporate partnerships specialist with over two decades of experience in professional sports and media. Schindler was an integral part of the recent growth and progress of the LPGA, focusing on growing key corporate sponsorships and driving various fundraising initiatives. With her career success, Schindler brought experience and innovation that matched the continued ascension of USA Lacrosse.
USA Nordic Sport
Chief Executive Officer
NEED: USA Nordic Sport is a National Leadership Organization for the original Olympic disciplines of Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined in the United States. With the appointment of five new independent board directors, a new strategic plan, a new operating plan, and looking to establish a new foundation, the Board Chair reached out to Prodigy Search as they needed a new CEO. While undergoing a positive transformation, USA Nordic Sport was seeking an experienced, dynamic, and energetic leader to help the organization by providing a clear vision and plan for the future growth of the sport. This position is essential to helping oversee and carry out the strategic direction, transition of new Board members, and establish a new foundation. Therefore, the importance of a national executive search was paramount to the success and continued growth of USA Nordic Sport.
RESULT: USA Nordic Sport and Prodigy Search were able to quickly gain trust and build a great relationship through their first search working together. After identifying the key qualifications and responsibilities of the new CEO, Prodigy began their nationwide search and thorough vetting processes to identify the best fit candidate for the position. A deep pool of diverse candidates from various industries were contacted, vetted and ultimately a short list of highly qualified recommended candidates was submitted to the search committee. Adam Provost emerged and became the standout candidate for the CEO position at USA Nordic Sport. With roots in Salt Lake City, Provost received his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, and master’s degree at Drexel University. He would go on to hold many senior-level roles, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer at QB Collective after seven years as Vice President with USA Football. Provost is a proven strategic thinker, has exceptional motivational skills, and has a track record in developing new products and programs within sports and entertainment. All of these skills and attributes led to his unanimous appointment as USA Nordic Sport’s newest CEO.